Want to Sue For Lack Of CS2 Updates? Valve’s New Terms Have Just Opened The Door For Lawsuits Against Steam

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Valve’s recent decision to remove the forced arbitration clause from its Steam Subscriber Agreement (SSA) has opened the door for potential lawsuits against the gaming giant. As of September 2024, Steam users can now take the company to court for disputes.

It’s a very pro-consumer move that has surprised some fans.| Image Credit: Valve

While the company has remained quiet on the reasons behind this change, the implications for both players and the company are significant. If you’ve been unsatisfied with the updates to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), or the lack thereof, then you could technically sue the devs now. Though your chances of winning would be a bit comical.

Valve hints at Counter-Strike 2 release date with a subtle post

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In the past, Valve’s SSA included a forced arbitration clause, a common practice in many companies’ user agreements. Arbitration, conducted by a third-party arbitrator, generally favors businesses by keeping disputes out of public courtrooms and avoiding legal costs.

First time I’ve ever had Steam pop up an agreement like this. If you read carefully, you’ll see that now you’ll have to settle disputes in court and not in arbitration, which is…odd. pic.twitter.com/7cB82CYBnF

— K-Med (@K__Med) September 27, 2024

Consumers can often feel disadvantaged in these proceedings, with limited legal recourse and no right to appeal. However, the new SSA requires disputes to be resolved in court if Steam Support cannot offer a solution, marking a major win for consumer rights.

The most immediate impact of this change is that Steam users now have the option to file class-action lawsuits. Despite its prominence as a major esports title, CS2 has seen few updates since it switched to a new engine.

Many players believe that the company is focusing its resources on Deadlock, which has received far more content and attention, even though it is still in beta.

Wow. Voluntarily giving up its mandatory arbitration clause is unfathomably based on @Steam‘s part. Rare to see such a pro-consumer move. pic.twitter.com/AAhGpYqfnt

— Aurondarklord – FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! (@auronburner) September 27, 2024

A key aspect of this update is the removal of the class action waiver. Previously, this clause barred multiple users from banding together to file lawsuits over similar grievances. Now, groups of users with shared complaints can collectively sue Valve.

The average gamer often doesn’t have reasons to raise a pitchfork. | Image Credit: Valve

Valve’s decision to eliminate forced arbitration may have roots in legal battles. Recently, several companies, including Valve, have been targeted by law firms using mass arbitration as a strategy. Rather than handling claims individually, these firms would band together thousands of complaints, forcing companies to resolve each one separately.

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This tactic, akin to a digital siege, overwhelms businesses and can result in enormous costs. Valve likely recognized that continuing to enforce arbitration clauses would lead to a flood of these cases, making court disputes a more manageable option.

Although this change is being hailed as a win for consumers, it’s unclear how many will take advantage of it. Suing a large corporation is no small feat. Most Steam users are unlikely to pursue legal action over minor issues. But this will most likely be for more serious matters.

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What remains to be seen is whether other companies will follow Valve’s lead. Forced arbitration and class action waivers have long been standard practice in user agreements, especially in the tech and entertainment industries.

We gamers will be barely affected by these changes, but it is a big change for the handful of cases where it will apply. Hey if you’re a CS2 megafan and really want an update, you could band together and try your luck.

Are you looking to sue Valve anytime soon? Let us know in the comments!

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